Auckland City Council workers picket for fair pay

Over 200 PSA members employed by Auckland City Council attended a one and half hour picket today outside the city administration building in Aotea Square.

The picket was part of strike action resulting from the Council’s refusal to offer a pay increase in the bargaining for a new collective agreement.

PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said many essential services were disrupted as a result of the picket.

“Libraries across Auckland were closed for two hours and parking officers were off the road. Building inspectors and other regulatory officers walked off the job and a majority of Auckland City Council call centre representatives did the same.

“This action is a last resort by our members who are frustrated by their employer’s refusal to comply with their own policies about pay and treat their staff fairly”.

Richard Wagstaff said the council workers received a lot of support, including a message from CTU President, Ross Wilson, and motions of support from PSA delegates at North Shore and Waitakere City Councils.

“Our members also passed a motion of support for their Christchurch City Council colleagues who are members of the Southland Local Government Officers’ Union and who took simultaneous action”.

“A vote was also passed to take further action if necessary”.

The Public Service Association has over 55,000 members in local and central government, health and community services.

ENDS

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